MKDC’s Kid Experts – Your Camp Staff

“I liked the way everyone said good morning when my son arrived and the same at the end of the day, everyone took the time to say good bye. Sometimes its the little things that make the biggest impression on kids and I think this made him feel good about attending everyday.”

A lot of camps say things like “we have qualified counselors”. But what exactly does that mean?

When you register your child at MKDC, you can rest assured that your camper will be taken care of by kid experts. MKDC is owned and operated by a certified, experienced teacher, and every member of staff is hired, trained and supervised directly by her. Our ONLY job is making sure that your child’s summer is the most amazing it can be. We aren’t museum workers, or lifeguards, or librarians, or even babysitters. Your kids are not a side gig for us – they are our main focus, year-round. We are first and foremost educators, fun facilitators, and role models.

Education. Staff in charge of planning and supervising activities must be over the age of 18 and have some post-secondary education, in addition to prior experience in lesson preparation and instruction. Every staff member has First Aid & CPR training as well as a proven track record working with children. All staff meet for “pre-camp” training sessions starting 6 weeks prior to the first day of camp to receive training and guidance in programming, behavior management, safety guidelines, and team building. By the time your child arrives at camp, staff have already received a minimum of 30 hours of formal training, and we continue this training with in-service sessions throughout the summer.

When it comes to staff, we are VERY picky. Our selection process includes a two-step written application, two interviews (first on the phone, then in person), an extensive reference check and activity ranking. We require two references who can speak directly to the candidate’s talent for working with children. It is a testament to our reputation for a positive working environment that we receive such a large number of applicants each year for a small number of positions. On average, only 10% of applicants are offered a position… so we are getting the best of the best. Most of our counselors are post-secondary students who are pursuing a degree in education, social work, or recreation.

Evaluation. Staff receive three formal evaluations over the course of the summer, to ensure that camp operations run smoothly and that staff receive the guidance and support that they need in their quest to give every child an unforgettable summer.

I want to thank you for the wonderful first camp experience that you provided my boys with this summer.
We were pretty nervous going into in and neither one wanted to go.
Jackson LOVED camp. Everything about it. Loved the activities, all of the counselors and of course Ron. He’s a pretty social kid and enjoyed being around so many great campers and staff. ‎ He told me yesterday that he can’t wait to return to Maple Key next summer and has no interest in ever trying any other camps. Says he might even work there when he’s old enough!
Although Nate had his struggles, by his last day he was loving it to. His counselors were amazing with him and with me. They were very patient and encouraging wh…

Tammie, Summer 2016

Can’t even express how wonderful this camp is! Staff are amazing and really took the time to get to know my son. My boy has a great imagination and sense of adventure, and this camp has done everything to encourage and tap into that for him. This has been one magical summer he won’t soon forget, and neither will I. Thank you so, so much! I honestly just love you guys!

Jenn Chalmers, 2017

My son really enjoyed his first year at MKDC. Your leaders/counselors are upbeat and welcoming. He came home happy every night. the activities are well planned and age appropriate. Thank you for making my son’s camp experience great. He has trouble in new settings but seemed very much at ease. I am sure we will be back next year.

Name Withheld, 2016

Great variety of activities. CYOA and majors are a brilliant way to add choice in a structured way. Good mix of indoor, sheltered and outdoor spaces allows kids to be outside, but not in the blazing sun all day.

Name Withheld, 2016

I heard so many good things about Maple Key from other families. After a bad camp experience elsewhere, I was amazed at how well this camp was run.

My kids will be back next year because they loved it and since coming to camp seem more sure of themselves. I had total piece of mind about my kids being there. You make me feel that my kids are in a safe environment where they are encouraged be themselves. I will absolutely send other parents to MKDC. As everyone knows I am very protective of my girls and I loved their camp experience.

Victoria, 2017

[My son] comes home dirty and sweaty and tired! That is the perfect sign of the ideal camp experience! And he really enjoys the counsellors! And the location is EXTRAORDINARY! You know it’s a phenomenal experience when you think that he has been there since 2010, and hopes to be there for many more years! We both like the fact that you balance the fun and craziness of camp (and lots and lots of different activities) with character development (ie teaching the campers proper etiquette and that they are all accountable for their actions ….). They are learning important life skills that they can take away from camp apply in their everyday lives!

Kim, 2016

What make me so happy with MKDC is that my son comes and goes with a BIG smile on his face, and that I get feedback from the counsellors. Thank you for understanding my sons needs and for accepting him into your program.